Crossword Genius

Fearless noble (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earl

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'noble' is the definition.
(earl is a kind of noble)

'fearless' is the wordplay.
'EARL' is hidden within the letters.
However, I am not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earl that I've seen before include "Rank immediately above viscount" , "Lear (anag)" , "Peer of the realm" , "A real titled lord" , "Real (anag) - nobleman" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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